This study represents a needs analysis of breastfeeing issues in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. It involved a longitudinal study of regional, rural and remotely located mothers giving birth in the public and private hopsitals in Toowoomba. In line with gaps in knowledge identified in the literature, the aims of the project were to: * ascertain the breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding duration for mothers in the sample, * determine if these rates were affected by rurality or hospital type * identify variables statistically related to predication of initiation of breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration * determine the adequacy of information provided to mothers by hospital staff about breastfeeding and postnatal supports and * identify the availability, utilisation, and perceived helpfullness of postnatal breastfeeding services and supports in the region.